Thailand Yacht Show 2018 brings the best in luxury yachting to South East Asia

By Rebecca Bradbury 2 March 2018

The third edition of the Thailand Yacht Show (TYS), held in Thailand’s yachting hub, Phuket, drew to a close on 25^th February, following four days of on-the-water experiences, glamorous superyacht parties and dedicated exhibits from world-class boating brands.

Accompanied by clear blue skies and gorgeous sunny weather, TYS 2018 welcomed a record 4,730 visitors through its doors at the award-winning Ao Po Grand Marina.

The show focused on providing a first-hand experience of the luxury yachting lifestyle, with show-goers able to try out water toys, undertake sea trials and attend an array of glittering social events.

ribbon being cut at the opening ceremony of the Thailand Yacht Show 2018 in Phuket

Out of the 40 yachts attending this year's Thailand Yacht Show, 15 were superyachts and heading up the fleet at an impressive 90 metres was charter yacht ‘Lauren L’.

Built by Cassens-Werft, she is the largest yacht to ever attend a yacht show in South East Asia and wowed all who were lucky enough to step aboard with her comprehensive range of leisure and entertainment facilities.

Other charter yachts on display were the 60m/197ft superyacht PARAFFIN from Feadship and the 40m/131ft sailing yacht ‘Numero Uno’ from Perini Navi. All eyes were on the latter over the weekend when she hosted a spectacular fashion show.

The Thailand Yacht Show 2018 provided visitors with a first-hand experience of the luxury yachting lifestyle

Centred on these luxury yachts, the exclusive social programme treated show-goers to private parties, morning and dinner cruises, and sunset cocktails. On land, meanwhile, wine-tasting sessions, Thai cooking demos and yoga classes kept visitors entertained.

The aim of the show, which is organised in partnership with the Thai government, is to highlight Thailand as a suitable winter charter base for the global superyacht fleet and as the region’s hub for the yacht tourism industry.

Co-organiser Andy Treadwell said: ‘We achieved all our goals, with some significant sales made by our exhibitors, a good number of charter superyachts on display, a great social calendar and a wonder ambiance.’